Here’s another winter that’s coming to an end and will leave me with wonderful memories. I’m sharing with you my 8 winter favorites in the Eastern Townships (all less than 2 hours from Montreal!).
It’s been 4 years now since we chose the Eastern Townships as our base camp. We’ve fallen in love with the region, its landscapes, its people and the sense of well-being we feel when we explore it. We’d always preferred summer to winter, but since moving here, we’ve literally fallen in love with winter! We now have every reason in the world to enjoy every storm and stay longer in our beautiful part of the world.
1. Mont Orford: the perfect ski day
For ski enthusiasts, Mont Orford is a must, with over 50 downhill ski trails for all levels, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier. If you take the alpine hiking trails like I do (my favorite place to go when I’m out for myself), the breathtaking views at the summit will reward you for your efforts, and make it all worthwhile! You can also enjoy a host of après-ski activities, such as snowshoeing or fatbike riding, in a magical setting where the immaculate snow transforms the landscape into a veritable picture postcard. If there’s a snowstorm on the horizon, you know where to go!
2. Musée de la Nature et des Sciences: a cultural break in winter
I always try to plan mother-son days with Zak, and my favorite moments with him so far have often been in museums. On a weekend when the snow didn’t fall, we headed for the city of Sherbrooke and visited the Musée de la Nature et des Sciences. With its interactive exhibits and fascinating collections on fauna, flora and natural history, this museum lets you discover the region from another angle, and offers kids a ton of fun activities and workshops to keep them amused and curious. Zak’s eyes were filled with stars and mine with gratitude.
3. Mont Ham summit: a must-do hike
If you love winter hiking, the ascent of Mont Ham is an experience you must have at least once. With its well-marked trails, this hike will take you to the summit of this iconic mountain, offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the region’s forest and agricultural landscapes. Ideal for taking photos (be prepared for a fierce wind!) or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. The climate changes rapidly as you get closer to the summit, and suddenly the previously imposing trees become small, frozen and entirely white. If you want to reach the summit quickly (but at a steady pace), I recommend the 2km l’Intrépide trail!
4. Solstice Sauna: an unparalleled Nordic experience
For those looking for an unforgettable, out-of-the-ordinary relaxation experience, the Solstice Sauna Expérience is a must. Located in the municipality of North Hatley, aka the most charming village, this wellness area invites you to recharge your batteries in a sauna set in the middle of Lake Massawippi. Yes, after warming up in the sauna, you’ll plunge into the icy water. Repeat the process for the full hour, and you’ll soon see the benefits. The saunas are wood-fired and offer an experience in harmony with nature that encourages contemplation, connection with the land, relaxation and socialization. There’s nothing like relaxing after a day’s skiing or hiking!
5. Overnight at Bora Boréal: a magical stay in nature
We love family getaways, and sometimes sleeping in unusual accommodations makes a change from leaving in a van, and allows us to relax to the max. We wanted a unique getaway experience, and that’s what we got at Bora Boréal, an enchanting site offering top-of-the-range accommodations. Magnificent, unique floating cottages set on a frozen lake in the heart of an ancestral farm. Wow! This refuge offers you a peaceful setting, yet close proximity to winter activities. In addition to its ideal location for exploring the region, the site offers relaxation experiences such as outdoor spas, perfect after a day of adventure in the mountains.
6. Mont Owl’s Head: a ski resort with authentic charm
Close to the U.S. border, Mont Owl’s Head is a ski resort distinguished by its intimate atmosphere and warm welcome. Skiers will love its well-groomed trails, and what’s more, its breathtaking view of Lake Memphremagog! Little ones are welcome too, on the superb little school slope! In addition to downhill skiing, Mont Owl’s Head also offers family activities such as snow tubing and cross-country ski trails for those who want to try something new. I can confirm that their poutine is very satisfying and warms everyone’s heart (and belly) after a good day’s skiing.
7. Au Comptoir Marcel: a local culinary experience
Me and Julien like to share the occasional romantic meal (weather and babysitter permitting!) We were lucky enough to discover Au Comptoir Marcel, a well-known restaurant in the region. Located in Magog, this restaurant showcases local produce and offers refined cuisine in a warm atmosphere. We were bowled over by the dishes, a wine and food pairing tasting menu that was simply divine, a true delight for the senses. The experience would not have been the same without the owner’s warm welcome. Thank you, Marco!
8. Station touristique Baie des Sables: winter fun for all the family
For those looking for a fun family activity, Station touristique Baie des Sables is the perfect place. A great discovery this year and for years to come! The resort offers tubing, an activity that’s both exciting and accessible for everyone (yes, for Zak, as well as for me and Julien!) The location is also stunning, with a magnificent view of the lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. After the slides, you can also enjoy the skating rink and snowshoe trails. For those who want to try their hand at fishing, they also have great facilities.
What’s not to love about winter with all its adventures? The Eastern Townships are truly an ideal destination for lovers of nature and winter activities. Our beautiful region will definitely meet all your expectations and help you make the most of this short season. Don’t wait any longer and plan your next road trip to our snowy corner of paradise!